March 2015 Frugals

[rosarugosa]

I finally have a couple of frugals to report:
I had signed up for some free samples awhile ago and had forgotten about it, but yesterday I received 3 teabags in the mail. I'm not in BKE's league, but it's a start. I think the real frugal here is that I'll be able to try 3 new flavors without buying boxes of teas I might not like, which is something we did recently and I do not recommend!
My sister came by and wanted to go to Ocean State Job Lot for K-cups. DH asked me to pick up some Bob's Red Mill Muesli. It is a good price there, plus they were having a 20% off sale on all Bob's items, so I bought a few bags to stock up, also some couscous and bulgur wheat.
A debatable frugal: I had consigned some items for the first time ever, and earned the princely sum of $11.20. I went to the store and left off a few more items. Instead of taking cash, I found a really great necklace for myself and a nice cosmetic bag that will be part of my DSIL's birthday gift. So I ended up spending $5.06 over my $11.20. I really like this little shop and want to see the owner succeed more than I want $11.00, so I was actually glad I found things to buy instead of taking the cash. So if I get to do some fun shopping and support a small local business and swap some things I don't want for some things I do, then that feels pretty good to me.

[Blackdog Lin]

rosa - yes. What a win win frugal for you!

[Tradd]

Checked my electric bill online to discover that for February I used 16% less than February 2014.

Now, to work on the gas bill (heat/hot water). I suspect the gas bill is more influenced by my long showers/long baths. Took a lesson from the Frugal Queen blog and set a timer for 5 minutes for my shower this morning. I was just getting out when the timer went off. This is more a game than anything else. I don't need to be this frugal, but the more I save, the more I can put towards my credit card debt.

[Tussiemussies]

Tradd, good for you, I just couln't do five minutes in the tub or shower...

This winter I hardly used my car, maybe once or twice, been home pretty much except for our occassional outing to the Cheesecake Factory restaurant. I bought some winter sweters all on winter sale, even telliing DH what I wanted for Christmas, which was all needed sweaters and as ll on sale. Bought most of his items on sale....I am talking about Christmas because it is pretty much the is the last purchases that I have made.

We have bumped up using a menu and eating most of what we have. Unfortunately, though I soaked a coule of pkgs. Of dried beans and never got to make the soup, but at least they are cheap!

This week nothing has been new, just happy with our electric bill...chris

[ApatheticNoMore]

Tradd, good for you, I just couln't do five minutes in the tub or shower...

me either, good thing there's plenty of water ... um er uh ...

But it was to the point where when I couldn't sleep one day I actually did an exercise of thinking of 3 good things I enjoyed that day, and my warm bath made the list (maybe it even topped the list). (well it was a workday ...)

[bke]

Good job Rosa! That is exactly the kind of thing I do. Don't think about the volume of freebies-just have fun with each one.

I received a fruit roll-up in the mail this week. It's not the kind of thing I would buy but ds will enjoy eating it as a little treat.

I have started making popcorn "old school" as my son calls it. Meaning on the stove in a pan instead of buying microwave popcorn. I'm surprised how much I enjoy it and it is much cheaper and healthier too!

Today should be a no spending day.

My morning coffee was something that had been given to me by someone who decided they wouldn't use it. It wasn't the best I've ever drank but the price was right.

[beckyliz]

Changed our car insurance and increased our deductible. Saving $100 a month (4 drivers, one of whom is an 18 year old male).

[lessisbest]

Final shopping day for groceries in March.
$125.00 budget (for 2 adults)
$ 95.60 spent in March
--------------------------
$29.40 remaining for March
$85.96 remaining for the year
$43.83 remaining from 2014

[bke]

Dh trimmed my hair for me. It's a bit shorter than I wanted but the price was right and hair does grow as we all know.

[Float On]

I have started making popcorn "old school" as my son calls it. Meaning on the stove in a pan instead of buying microwave popcorn. I'm surprised how much I enjoy it and it is much cheaper and healthier too!

I really don't like microwave popcorn and hadn't had it in several years but received a free sample bag and popped (nuked) it the other night. Yuck, nasty salty and no popcorn flavor.
Threw it out and even the birds and squirrels wouldn't touch it.
I'm "old school" all the way. A little coconut oil, mixed kernels, a little sea salt, garlic.